Suicide Prevention App

Military Community Awareness (MCA) introduces OPERATION REACH OUT, a smartphone app aimed at preventing suicide among military personnel and veterans. Developed by a team of suicide prevention experts, under the supervision of the primary author, Lawrence Shapiro, Ph.D., the app is available free on the iTunes App Store and the Android Market.

Suicide Prevention in the Digital Age(White Paper Report):

TESTIMONIALS:

“I came across the Operation Reach Out app upon the recommendation of SFC Joseph Kern, the R3SP Program manager here at JFHQ for the NJ National Guard. I downloaded it to my phone and began looking at the resources, videos and activities included in the app. As the Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the State Guard, I will be sure to recommend to every soldier trained that they download this life-saving resource on their phones.

As I looked through the app, what caught my attention is the way the army\'s ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) interventional tool is woven throughout the app. Though it is not specifically called ACE, the principles of it are inherent in each video vignette to help either the individual in crisis or friends of the individual in crisis.

Having worked on a suicide help line in NJ in the past, this app would be valuable for that type of work as well. KUDOS for offering lifesaving help in your Operation Reach Out app.”- Michael P. Woods, Suicide Prevention Program Manager / Accenture Federal Services JFHQ, NJARNG

“My wife and I both made suicide attempts after being discharged. I found this app during my recovery period. We use it during our ‘down periods.’ The videos and information have helped us both beyond words.”- Retired Air Force, OIF Veteran

THE OPERATION REACH OUT APP IS DESIGNED TO:

- Encourage people to reach out for help when they are having suicidal thoughts.
- Help those who are concerned about family members, spouses, or fellow service members who may be suicidal.
- Provide a personal contact help center.
- Provide activities to help people who are depressed stay connected to others.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

HELP CENTER
- Users are prompted to enter phone number for people who will respond in a time of crisis.
- The Help Center comes pre-loaded with phone numbers for suicide prevention hotlines and it is then customizable by each individual user.

HELP FOR SUICIDAL PEOPLE - Compelling videos explain important facts, such as:
- Your problems can be treated.
- There are other solutions.
- Suicidal crises are almost always temporary.
- Your problems are rarely as great as they appear.

HELP FOR PEOPLE TRYING TO PREVENT SUICIDE - Compelling videos explain what to do when a person is talking about suicide, such as:
- Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions.
- Find out if the person is drunk or has overdosed on drugs.
- Remove any potentially harmful objects.
- Make sure the suicidal person understands that help is available.